sábado, 6 de agosto de 2016

Take Care with Pet Reptiles | Features | CDC

Take Care with Pet Reptiles

Healthy reptiles and amphibians can carry Salmonella and other germs that make people sick. But there's good news! You can take steps to keep you and your family healthy around these pets.

Many people think that Salmonella infections are caused only by contaminated food, but you can also get infected by handling turtles, lizards, frogs or anything in their environment, such as aquariums and food dishes. Salmonella germs in reptile and amphibian droppings (feces) can contaminate anything they contact.

Reptiles and amphibians are not recommended for children younger than five years. This includes in households, school or childcare settings. Families that include adults older than 65 or people with weak immune systems also should consider a different pet.

Don't buy turtles less than 4 inches in length. Even though these turtles might be sold in souvenir shops and at roadside stands, their sale is banned by federal law. If you want to have turtles as pets, buy turtles with shells longer than 4 inches from a trusted pet store.

Don't catch wild turtles and keep them as pets.

Don't release unwanted turtles into the environment. This isn't good for the turtle or for the environment. Call your local reputable pet store or a reptile rescue.

Always wash your hands thoroughly after handling reptiles, amphibians and anything in the area where they live or roam.

Safe Handling Tips for Turtles, Lizards, and Frogs

Always wash your hands thoroughly after handling reptiles, amphibians and anything in the area where they live or roam, such as their habitats, food, or equipment.

Children younger than 5, people with weak immune systems, and adults older than 65 should not handle or touch amphibians, reptiles or their environment. These groups have a higher chance of serious illness and hospitalization from Salmonella germs.

Don't cross-contaminate! You don't have to touch a reptile or amphibian to get sick from their germs.Salmonella and other germs also can contaminate reptile food such as frozen or live rodents, and equipment and materials, including the tank water.

Don't bathe your pet or clean its tank in your kitchen or bathroom. Do this outside, or use a tub or bin that is only used for your pet if you must do it inside.

Use warm water and soap to clean the tub or bin and any surface it touches inside the house.

Don't kiss or snuggle with reptiles and amphibians because this will increase your chance of getting sick.